A Bagel in a Plate Full of Onion Rolls

Hi- I missed you. I missed you so much actually. I really missed writing a few times a week. It's kind of a nice way to relax. And I missed you guys, I loved all the feedback I would get and telling you all about everything. So, screw this whole skinny thing- its clearly not working out! BUT! I am going to keep blogging. I'm not sure what about yet, because the skinny mission was such a bust, but, I'll figure out something. I mean, I have to or how else will I get a movie/book deal? ;)

Anyway, what have been up to since the last post? I joined match.com. I know- seriously. I don't really know what possessed me to do it. That's a lie- it was my mother. I think it was her telling me that I needed a boyfriend first, when I was telling her I decided where I wanted to have my wedding. I in no way shape or form have any interest in getting married anytime soon, but it did make me think that it might be fun to meet new people. Since, although I love my social circle, the straight men are far and few between. What's the harm in joining online community right?

So, I've been on a few dates the past couple months with a bunch of guys. Don't worry this will not be some twisted Carrie Bradshaw-esque blog. Maybe, just this post. ;) (Oh, and by the way, did you see the second movie? Awful, right? I LITERALLY- and I mean literally, wanted to poke both my eyes out when they started singing "I am Woman". COME ON!) The dates were fine, but that was it. Just fine. The guys were nice and polite, and I think a little confused because I just kept talking and talking. It's what I do when I get a little nervous, or tipsy, or excited, or really anything. They couldn't get a word in edgewise. My bad. I still was asked on second and third dates though, so I couldn't have been THAT terrible of a date.

But, let me tell you about one unbearably awkward moment. I go out with this one guy to a bar near my apartment. There is only one bathroom in the whole bar. Annoying, because the line is always long but, whatever. We both are going to use the bathroom before we leave, and he lets me go in first. Gentleman- like. I walk in, and someone, I don't know how, has literally pooped all over the ENTIRE toilet. Like in ways that I can't even describe to you. All over the place. What am I supposed to do in this situation? I have to go to the bathroom myself, and there isn't another bathroom around. But, I don't want him to think that I made this mess. I'm not going to clean it up right? Like you can't clean it up. Right? I contemplated that for awhile, when I decided to just pee as fast as humanly possible so, he would know that I COULD NOT have made that mess. And give fair warning before letting him enter the pit of disgusting. When he came out he said "Well, that was a night ender". I just smiled and we walked out of the bar. I did get asked out on another date, so I guess he knows it wasn't me. But, I could have died.

So, yeah, that's type of stuff that's been going on. I'm getting over the match.com thing though. Everyone is nice, but I want that spark, you know? Not fireworks- just something. I'm like Fanny Brice, a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls and I think I'm going to meet a nice other bagel someday-who is chubby, funny and cooks.

I will update soon.

xoxo,
Marisa

I haven't written a post in a month because...

Hi Everyone! I missed you guys. Apologies for not writing in over a month. Let's just say I have had literally nothing to write about, because quite frankly, I have done nothing healthy in that time. Nothing. Zip. Nada. I've been eating grilled cheeses at lunch (only twice), pasta any time I can get it (way more than twice) and drinking Blue Moons like it's nobodies business (it's just the perfect Blue Moon weather!)

Oh, and exercise, forget about it. I've done nothing, except for carry my 40lbs gift bag from a work event 30 blocks and up my stairs (6 flights if you remember). I now have a bruise on my shoulder but, an excessive amount of beauty products on my kitchen table. So you win some, you lose some. To top it all off, my yoga buddy moved back to India for the summer, so I've had no one to go with. I suppose I could go on my own, but what's the fun in that? I need someone to complain at how ridiculous all the crazy breathers are. There is literally no reason to grunt like that. I don't care how "in the zone" you are. Do it on your own time. Also, I thought that maybe you all would be a bit sick of hearing about the things I've found that do actually taste better than skinny feels. I keep finding a lot. Maybe, that's the curse of living in New York City.

Oh, oh, oh! I did do something to improve my life, in a not particularly healthy way. And by I did, I mean something kind of happened to me and I actually did nothing. A DRESSER APPEARED ON MY DOOR STEP! I'm not even kidding! Right in front of my building! It's 4 big drawers and 2 little ones on top. It's great and my room is much cleaner because of it.

Also, on the theme of not doing anything healthy, some out of town friends came to New York. And I always love when that happens, its always the funnest weekend! We went dancing (kind of healthy, if we don't count the pizza and beer I had before that), we celebrated Billy's birthday, we saw puppies you could adopt, had drunk brunch (for those of you who don't know what drunk brunch entails- its a brunch [ideally at 1:00pm but sometimes earlier] where with a meal you get all you can drink mimosas and things for two hours or so. The waiters usually just keep filling up your drinks, so you lose count and hence drunk brunch is born) and basically just had a wonderful time.

And last weekend, Jon, Adina and I went to Queens. We went to the old 1964 World's Fair grounds- which is awesome! It was kind of cool because, each of us had a parent(s) that went in 1964/1965. It definitely would have been a site to see, but now its just a park with old buildings and things from 1964. Cool and a little sad. We saw an almost 10,000 square foot model of New York City, which was incredible. It was at the World's Fair. I think they last updated it in like 1992, so it wasn't the most up-to-date. But, we found where our apartments were! Cool!! And then we went into Flushing and ate some Chinese. A very fun day!

So, that's what I've been doing in a nutshell, working, eating, dancing, drinking Blue Moons, general bopping around New York. We'll see how the healthy thing turns out, but I'm going to promise to update more, even if its just discoveries about things that taste better than skinny feels.

Love,

Marisa

Fat Rats

Helllllo! After moving to New York City, I've had many an interaction with rats. Thankfully, they have all be contained to subways and the street because I find them utterly revolting. In fact, when I woke up in the middle of the night last fall to an awful Eee Eee noise, like a little animal breathing, I came very close to my first indoor interaction with a rat. At first, I thought Easy, the dog from the apartment across hall, had somehow got into my room. When I realized this was impossible, I went to the next most logical conclusion- a rat. A rat had somehow gotten into my bedroom! What on earth was I going to do with a rat in my bedroom. I laid in bed, not moving, not breathing. I thought it would be able to hear me, and just do something completely grotesque. What exactly I had no idea, but I'm pretty sure rats only do disgusting ratty things with their little rat tails and little pointy rat teeth. I slowly turned on my light and looked down on the ground- no rat. Just my heater coming on for the first time. Moral of this story- I hate rats, and never thought I had much in common with these gross creatures until I saw this article- "Junk food addiction may be a clue to obesity- study".

Basically, these scientists separated rats in three groups- one had a healthy balanced diet, one had healthy balanced diet but could eat things like ding dongs, bacon and cheesecake etc. for one hour a day, and one group could only eat that shitty/wonderful junk food ALL THE TIME. Ultimately, the first two groups were fine, but the third group quickly got obese and just like kept eating. Oh, and they trained the rats to be afraid of the light by shocking them whenever a light came on. The third obese group, just kept eating their food when the light came up. No fear, just needed those sweet treats.

Also, it looks like the fat rats had lower levels of a certain dopamine receptor just like humans addicted to drugs! Woah- so, binge eating high-calorie delicious foods is like being addicted to cocaine. It's compulsive.

Thankfully, I don't ONLY eat high-calorie foods, although sometimes I feel like I do. But, this information is definitely handy when thinking about taking the first handful of potato chips, or opening that pack of ding-dongs. I mean, we all try to stay away from addictive drugs, right? Why wouldn't I try to stay away from over-indulging in junk food? Just a new way to think about things.

xoxo,

Marisa

Finding the Balance

Hi All! You know that not- actually- eating -healthy rut I was telling you about? Well guess what, I'm still in it. But, the fact of the matter is, I continue eating wonderful and fattening things- so, other than the slight feeling of guilt, there is not much keeping me on the right track. I mean, I have found several things in the past few weeks that go under the "Things that Most Definitely Taste as Good, if Not Better, Than Skinny Feels" list. Let me give you the highlights so we are all on the same page as I continue my relationship with food story.

1. The "That Way" Sandwich at "This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef", which is a new Roast Beef Sandwich place on 1st Ave. The "That Way" sandwich is roast beef, au jus and mozzerella on a large baguette. My friend Rob took me there a week or so ago- and I've already been back once more after that, and talking about it non-stop. Legit, non-stop. Ask my mom, I've must of mentioned it a million times. I will literally tell anyone who will listen. First, the place is adorable. There are only three sandwiches on the menu (you don't need a million things, if can do one thing right, in my opinion) and I've only tried the "That Way" and quite frankly, I'm content. I'm not sure if I'll be trying the "This Way" which has Cheese Wizz on it. Gross. It's not a fancy place, just a counter to stand at while you eat your sandwich. They have some rolls of paper towels. And oh my god, do you need the paper towels. The au jus, which is as incredible as the meat and bread, drips down you arms in the best possible way. It is absolutely incredible. Oh, also, to anyone who is familiar with Artichoke, its by the same people.

2. This is a cake product. Obviously- no news there :) I finally got to go to Billy's Bakery this weekend. And let's just say the slice of chocolate cake with white frosting got the Marisa's Seal of Approval (which is actually a very hard seal to get as far as cupcakes/cake goes). I still put Sugar Sweet Sunshine at the top of my list, but Billy's came to the plate swinging. The frosting was pretty darn good, and the cake was moist (not Sugar Sweet moist, but we can't all be perfect).

Both things, are way better than skinny feels. I will take the forever on my hips, if I can have these things for a mere moment on my lips. And this, is my problem. I'm still all for the instant gratification and will deal with the aftermath later. I suppose that's the 22 year old in me. I have all the time in the world to get healthy right? ....yeah, I know. Not right. I'm going to work on this and get back on the right train.

Its just frustrating when you truly love food- wait no, fattening foods. I love them and will always love them but, I do not need to have them EVERY meal. And, I mean come on, do I really need two cupcakes in a day? But, if I do happen to have two cupcakes in a day, like I did today (hey-they were mini, so it's like one...kinda), I did a little yoga. I also walked home from work, and walked to yoga (there and back!) I think that its easy to start something super motivated, but it takes work to actually find something that you can maintain for the rest of your life. I mean, I maintained this blog...and who really thought that would last?

xoxo,

Marisa

Story of My Life: Part Deux

Hey- Oh my goodness, how beautiful is the weather today? I can't even take it- it's like July out there. I'm in heaven. This weather makes me want to stay outside forever. I often think about moving someplace warm year round, and then I realize that without seasons the nice weather seems less special. Like cupcakes- if you have one every once in awhile, they seem a little more special, right? Says the girl who walked about 40 minutes last night to go to Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Hey, I walked there, its gotta count for something, right? Which brings me to my next subject...chafing.

Yesterday was another GORGEOUS day. Absolutely incredible, and my usual urge of going straight home from work to watch some reality show was eclipsed by my need to be outside- to feel the warm air and just generally walk around with a hop in my step. I wore my new spring dress that I got when I went home. (I wore a belt! It helped with the whole boob/waist issue from the last post) and was looking adorable if not a little season-pushingy. But who really cares when it is so beautiful outside? I also did not wear tights. What a mistake it turns out. I just walked and walked all over lower Manhattan, without a care in the world. Completely not caring that I have major, major chafing issues. I know its not an only an issue for short legged, slightly chubby thighed girls. I mean, the only way to avoid this problem is to have thighs that go inwards or something...since that won't happen until I grow 10inches or become an Olsen Twin- I gotta figure out a way to solve this problem.

It's been a constant issue my entire life, including one particularly awful-chafing moment in Disney World. I had to walk around Epcot Center, waddling- making sure my thighs did not touch, all while wearing one of those hats from the China-land section of the World Showcase. It was not a pretty site. I mean, I don't know about you all, but legs will bleed from so much chafing. And that hurts- and is clearly a problem I need to solve. I feel like I love walking in the city, and can honestly walk almost anywhere if the weather is nice. Which is great for the skinny mission. Actually amazing, since the whole rec center thing is not working out the way I hoped it would.

I solved the problem last year by wearing bike shorts under my dresses. A fine solution-until it actually got hot out. Then, I was dying- what is worse, being so hot you felt like you were in hell? Or bleeding and ultimately felt like you were in your own personal torture device in hell? I could never decide, and ultimately went back and forth between bleeding legs or being unbearably hot. I've done the baby powder thing too- fine for the morning, but what about when you are out all day? I mean, am I really going to apply baby powder to my legs throughout my day? Let's not even get started on the smelling like a small child thing. Also, we all know what happened when Lindsay Lohan used "baby powder" to "stretch out her shoes". I just can't let that be me. Oh, and I can't even forget to tell you that one of the preventions for chafing is KEEPING HYDRATED. God, everything in my life would be so much better if I drank the right amount of water. ;) Which I've really been trying to... I hear there is this chafing lotion cream thing...I'm gonna have to get it. I can't go another summer with worrying about chafing. It's just that absolute pits.

On that note, I am going to figure out something to do about the current pain I'm in now.

xoxo,

Marisa

Story of My Life

Hello! When I went home, my mom took me shopping (thanks, Mama!) and since I've lost some weight clothes are fitting me differently, and by that I mean, way better. But, I still run into the same problems I've been having since I was 9. When I was in the 4th grade I got my first bra. I was second in my class to get a bra- and let's just say I died of excitement. I knew that this meant I was finally becoming the woman I always dreamed of. (In my imagination, I would have been 5'10''...but you win some, you lose some). My mom and I went to Bradlees, which does not exist anymore but was kind of Walmartesque, and I got a little 9 year old bra. I spent the entire rest of the week trying to figure out ways to take a peek at my new accessory (or I guess, accessories). I was absolutely thrilled- and am still absolutely thrilled to be "ample-breasted".

But, 4th graders aren't meant to have large boobs and I quickly went from kids clothes to "in-between sizes" to just not knowing what to do. I spent 5th grade wearing only overalls. I'm not even remotely kidding- I truly wish I was. I had every type of overall imaginable- pink, black and jean. In the summer I had short overalls, but wasn't allowed to shave my legs. It wasn't pretty. Oh, and to top it all off, when the snaps broke I had to tape the bottom, so I could continue wearing the overalls complete with scotch tape. It's a wonder why cute boys in my class didn't want to talk to me...;)

What I didn't realize the day I got my first bra, was what a pain in the neck trying to find appropriate clothing would be the rest of my life. I could keep on wearing overalls forever, but there comes a time in a girl's life wear she needs to start wearing real pants. On "What Not to Wear" and "Oprah" they always say things like dress for the best part of your body. Well I known full well that the best parts of my body are my boobs and small waist. I've known this for a long time, but for whatever reason it seems that the fashion industry does not know this. They insist on making dresses for girls with nothing on top (which is fine- but what about the rest of us?!) and then I either can't zip the top, or look like I'm getting ready to hang out with Hugh. The other problem that I kept running into this weekend was, okay, the top fits and is "modest" or as modest as I'll ever be, but then the waist is huge! And because I'm short (God, I wish I was 5'10'') the waist is at such a strange part of my body. These dresses are not helping me show the world what my mama gave me! It can be pretty frustrating, but what we realized is I need to utilize far more belts in my life. This is the perfect solution. It will help sinch my waist, and showcase the hourglass figure I naturally (luckily!). Maybe someday I can start a fashion line for girls like me. That would be the life!

Talk you later,

Marisa

Home is Where the Food is

Hi, My Friends! After a long, long journey, I made it home to Cape Cod. I am happily sitting on my couch, blogging and watching my dog Max twitch while he sleeps. A perfect Saturday night. The trip here was annoying to say the least. Partially was my fault, partially was the elements fault. On the bus from New York to Boston, we were in standstill traffic for like an hour to an hour and half because of flooding in Rhode Island, yattah yattah yattah. Obnoxious, but what made it unbearably painful was I brought nothing to eat. Well that's not true. I had an apple and the kid sitting next to me gave me his extra bottle of water. Again, I think I watch far too many crime shows, because I immediately assumed it was a way to slip me some hallucinogen or roofie or something. It wasn't. He was just being nice. So I had an apple and a water.

In any event, I'm sitting on this epically long bus ride, with almost nothing to eat. I thought my stomach was going to eat itself. Being healthy is my mission. Starvation is not. I got off the bus, and instead of going home like I thought I would be, I went to my cousin Catie's apartment in the Boston area. I was so hungry, that when she said something on the phone that sounded curiously like "then we'll get something to eat". I quickly said "THANK GOD! I'M STARVING!" I don't think she said anything about food or eating, but she picked up on my extreme need to eat immediately and was so sweet, she gave me the apple in her bag for the walk home and we made Annie's Easy Mac as soon as humanly possible.

However, the rest of the weekend I've completely made up for ever being hungry at the beginning. My father is an excellent cook and has made sure that I am not even remotely hungry. We had incredible Linguine and White Clam Sauce last night with stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Asparagus. AMAZING. Then this morning, my cousin Catie and I ate the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had. The secret is Fresh Blueberries. ;) And helped my dad with a little experiment-which was better White Eggs or Brown Eggs? After several of both "Egg A" and "Egg B"s, I determined that Brown Eggs are actually better. Who knew? Well, now we all do.

Then my mother took us out to lunch which was great- we got to meet all of her friends and I had an excellent steak tip sandwich. But dinner, oh my goodness, dinner. My father outdid himself. We had a few hours in between lunch and dinner which was good, because man oh man, I needed to prepare. He made just about all of my favorite things. Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffed Shells, Grilled Vegetables and Shrimp Risotto, and Stuffed Clams. My God, was it good. I ate far too much, but I need to savor every moment. I don't know when I'll be able to come home next, so I need to prepare for my diet that does not include that oh-so-expensive Tenderloin.

Then, my Aunt Susan brought the best candy in the world over for dessert. I was in heaven, and have been eating peanut butter bunnies since the moment we opened the bag.

As you can see, the Skinny Mission is completely thrown out the window as soon as I cross the bridge to Cape Cod. But, it is so good to have such incredible food, and see my family. It's nice to be out of the city too. Sometimes you just need a weekend away from the hustle and bustle and home to On Demand, parents and Mashed Potatoes.

Gotta go- watching "Law and Order SVU" with my mom. The kid from "Blind Side" is on playing the big kid with a heart of gold.

Bye!

My Movie

Hi- So, since I've gotten my computer I more or less have been watching movies non-stop. And now have completely envisioned my blog's major motion picture. I'm sure you are all waiting anxiously for the release and I am too. And with each blog post, I can see the movie deal getting closer and closer. My vision is rom-com. I think my life would really translate well as a romantic-comedy minus the romance. Or maybe I'm just still in that beginning part, you know the one, I'm in the montage: Marisa at work in cute red dress. Marisa blogging on her bed. Marisa on a weird date in a restaurant. Marisa laughing with friends. Marisa drinking coffee with second weirdo. Marisa at work in a cardigan. Marisa blogging at a coffee shop. Marisa walking. Cab honks, and Marisa trips and spills her coffee.

I am a big fan of these montages, and foresee several in my movie. Another one would have me getting skinnier and skinnier. The actress playing me would wear a fat suit. I think for movie purposes, we could make me a little chubbier and make the transformation more great. Think "Devil Wears Prada" when Andy finally goes into the Runway or Vogue or whatever closet. We'll have one of those, with really cute outfits. (I think about this particular montage on my way to work almost every day).

Now since this is a rom-com, I'm thinking to tie in the blog, a man needs to fall in love with me through reading "Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels" and then through a series of serendipitous events we meet. And one of us, or both of us (I haven't figured this out yet), can't stand each other in real life. Then through a few more montages, love songs, awkward moments and more serendipitous events we fall in love. The End. This doesn't necessarily have to happen in real real life, I mean I suppose it would be nice, but I'm fine with blurring the reality lines. I know Oprah would have a fit, so that's why my blog will probably work best as a movie and not a book. I'd be happy with either and if Oprah wants to have me on her last season- I would be thrilled to go. I'd have a lot to tell her about.

Just wanted to share my movie thoughts. You guys can be part of a montage too if you want. We'll work out the details but, picture people around the world on different types of computers reading the blog. It would be so nice.

See ya later alligator(s),

Marisa

PS. The picture is of me and Adina at our Oscars night. Maybe next year we'll be there celebrating my film...

Give Your Body What It Wants

Hi Guys! So, I am currently typing on my BRAND NEW COMPUTER!! Ah! I am so terribly excited. It is literally the best. I could not be happier. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, and Nikhil and everyone else who listened to my hours of complaining about my computer and helped me get a new one. You all are amazing. It is just so great to have a computer that works. I'm ecstatic.

Anyway, I bought my computer yesterday and immediately (after eating brunch) went home and played with it. I took pictures (as you can see), I hulued and I skyped everyone and their brother-including my own brother. I took a break from video chatting to do yoga yesterday and let's just say, it was much needed. I was in my downward facing dog, and could almost not hold up my body- my shoulders hurt so much. In fact, my whole body hurt so much. I'm not really sure what was going on but, the more into "the practice" I got, the more I started to feel better. My muscles started to loosen up a bit, and basically I just started feeling all around better- other than my exhaustion. I was just so tired yesterday. I think that the work week plus

my lack of sleep, and my late Friday night just all caug

ht up with me. And as crunchy granola as it sounds, they always say in yoga give your body what it needs. And my body needed a night of cell phone off, movie watching (on my computer of course) and going to bed and just sleeping until I woke up. So that is exactly what I did. And, it was amazing. I think sometimes I really

forget to listen to my body's cues. I even had a slight dehydration issue the other day- I got that weird tunnel vision I sometimes get. And you know what cured it? A couple glasses of water. I know, I know- so not good. I should not be getting tunnel vision from lack of water, so I think I am going to really listen to my body from now on. Eat when I'm hungry (not when I am bored), sleep when I'm tired (and not stay up watching "Real Housewives of New York" for the second time in a night), and drink water (all the time...even if I don't feel thirsty...I probably am and just don't know it). Because I think that my body knows better than me sometimes.

And with that, I am going to drink some water and try to get to bed on the earlyish side.

Have a great night/day and I'll be around a lot more because of my NEW COMPUTER! Ahhhh! :D

xoxo,

Marisa

The Hedonist

Hi All- I've miss you. I have to be honest, these two past weeks I've been on a major binge. Major. Like to the nth degree. You know those people on "Intervention" who are no where to be found for like a two weeks because they are doing Crystal Meth or Crack Cocaine in some warehouse next to train tracks? Well that was me, but instead of illicit drugs on the streets, I've been having mini cupcakes by the dozen, pasta almost every night, all-you-can-drink brunches and to top it all off, a Chipotle Burrito tonight. Do you know how many calories are in the Chipotle Chicken Fajita Burrito, I get? 790! Yeah, and I don't even get guacamole! But, I have to tell you it felt good, it all felt so so good. My friends came to town two weekends ago, and since it just kept raining, we just kept eating. What is better than old friends splitting a mini cupcake box? Or all eating at a diner at midnight? Or splitting a pizza? Nothing. Not even skinny. That stuff is honestly priceless. But, then I just kept going-ordering pasta/ eating cupcakes and eating them like I'll never eat again. This means somedays, eating pasta for lunch and dinner and cupcakes twice a day. No one needs that.

By the way, I read this interesting fact in "Shape: Brides" that after a "slip-up" women are more likely to just keep going and being more and more gluttonous. Men on the other hand get right back on track. Now to be completely honest, I was probably beyond gluttonous- if there is even anything beyond gluttonous. I was just hedonistic- I mean I ordered a beer as big as my face last weekend. I'm pretty sure you shouldn't consume anything that is as big as your face even if its the best bargain and your friend's 23rd birthday. (Happy Birthday, Katie!) But, in any event, I'm going to get right back on track- I don't need any big intervention, I know its whats for the best. I mean this whole blog is not really about getting "skinny" which I am sure my dear readers have caught on to. It's about being healthy, and feeling good. And these past weeks have shown me how absolutely gross I feel after eating like I'll never see food again. After my "power week", I felt amazing, I can't even really describe it. I was just clear and good. Now, I feel tired and bloated. So, I'm starting to see the error in my occasional completely hedonistic tendencies and I think I'm going to get better but, I'm just going to take it a day at a time.

In other news, I will be getting a new computer on Saturday. I am so excited I literally cannot stand it. My current computer died 3 times while writing this post. Oy! And maybe with the camera that will be on it, I CAN VLOG! Exciting, I know.

Well, I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Marisa

PS. This picture was taking by Gabrielle in January when Emily was here. So, a little old, but I had no new ones to put, and I've been wearing those sunglasses a lot since it's been so nice out! :)

Wedding Bells Are Ringing...Kind of...

Hi- So, as I said in the last post I have lost weight while being on the Skinny Mission. Yay! According to my doctor, I still have more to go, but I am afraid to say I have hit the 15lbs rut. When anyone tells me how good I look, I say thank you while reaching for a cupcake, cheeseburger or pasta. In fact, I think I made up for the lack of pasta in the past 2 or so months this week. The delivery man from the pasta place and I have a very nice rapport going every time he brings my Rigatoni Melenzana. He is like my drug dealer, bringing me the goods I want. And, these "rewards" are starting to have a bad effect on my weight loss. I think my problem is, I've started losing my motivation. I have no big vacation plans, or anything in the next few weeks. Just April showers and Glee to look forward to- and believe me I'm very much looking forward to Glee but, Glee doesn't really care about my health, now does it? Glee would be fine if I watched while laying in my bed eating cupcakes.

So, I have a brilliant beyond brilliant plan- start losing weight for my wedding dress. I know, I know, I am no where near getting married. BUT! I got a bridal magazine the other day, and they had tips on losing 5, 10, and 20lbs for your special day. Although, I'm pretty sure the always- the- bridesmaid- never- the- bride chapter of my life is next, its never too early to prepare for the walk down the aisle. Did you know that women's biggest worry is the dress not fitting on their wedding day? Like more than being jilted or tripping. To be completely honest, I am most concerned about the cake. I have a feeling that the cake tasting day will be the best day of my life. In fact, I may or may not get married several times just to keep tasting cakes. But this is besides the point, what is the point, is that I am going to try some of the workout routines in the magazine since I don't have a trainer at the moment. So, this could be good, and I might be getting some motivation back...

I hope you all are having a great weekend!
xo, Marisa

Sunshiney Day(s)

Hello! I know it's been awhile since I last posted but it's because I've been outside, taking in any and all Vitamin D I can get. I don't know about you all, but I'm so done with winter. In fact, I like snow, scarves and hot chocolate for the month of December, and maybe into January, but by March, I'm over it. I'm over it in a big way. I am ready for the beach, the sun, and picnics in the park as soon as February rolls around, so by March I just can't even take it anymore. Talk about SADD.

So, believe you me, when New York hit the mid-fifties this weekend, my sunglasses went on and I went walking. I walked everywhere. Any place I was going to meet someone, I walked. When I didn't have anything to do, I went for a walk. It felt great. The city was alive again. I absolutely love the city with nice weather, everyone comes out of their 2ft by 2ft apartments and starts living life. The park near my house was filled with people drinking coffee, reading books, and eating gelato. What's not to love? Talk about HAPPY.

I think that this warm weather is going to be great for the skinny mission. Walking around with destinations, and friends and window shopping makes exercising a little funner- not that its not already a blast ;). Oh, and by the way since New Years time when this skinny mission first started I've lost about 15-17lbs depending on the day and time. I know there are all different reasons for this discrepancy, like what I ate, what time I weighed myself, blah blah blah. The number isn't so much important in my opinion. It's feeling good, being healthy, and having people tell you how great you look isn't so bad either. :)

xoxo,
Marisa

Run, Marisa, Run

If you can't tell by the title of this post, all last week I watched at least one part of "Forrest Gump" on TNT or whatever channel it was on. They played it every night, and I enjoyed watching it out of order, and of course balled when Jenny died and wondered if JFK really said "I believe he said he had to pee" ever. In between Forrest, I watched various reality TV shows and watched Kourtney Kardashian deliver her own baby- probably the weirdest thing I have ever seen by the way. How did she just pull it out? Gross. So, as you can see I was extremely busy all last week, way too busy to go to the gym or yoga- I mean two people were fired on "Kell on Earth"! I just had to watch.

So, tonight I decided to get back on the exercise bandwagon. I had read that Rachael Ray (who I find incredibly annoying- and $40 a day is actually a lot of money... I would be impressed if she spent $10 a day or even $20) runs 3 and half miles every morning. Since she could run 3 and half miles, I thought, I can obviously run 2 tonight since I am better than her. (There is no actual logic to this statement. But, sometimes I am not logical).

Then I made a huge mistake...I did not stretch. My father would shoot me right now. My dad has two pieces of advice he always gives: 1. There are two types of people in this world- assholes and not assholes. 2. ALWAYS STRETCH. Ugh- I just didn't feel like it tonight, and as I started doing my power run to "RockStar" (by N.E.R.D.) my side started aching like never before. That's a lie, it started aching like all those other times I thought I was too good for stretching. Maybe this is why I like yoga better- its all stretching. So, I started to slow down and do a fast model walk to Sexy Ladies (by Justin Timberlake). A model walk is actually what it sounds like- I walk fast on the treadmill as though it is a catwalk and there is some kind of back up with the models, so I have to go fast. I obviously still need to work it, and I clearly make the model faces. Unfortunately, there is no end to the treadmill so I can't pose. I really do this too- it doesn't matter what other people think, they can judge all they want, they only wish that they thought of the power model walk first.

Then I tried doing more power runs (running with all I have) to Lapdance (also N.E.R.D) and TiK ToK (Ke$ha)but, the pain was too much. I had made the mistake of not stretching in the beginning and the rest of the run was dismal. I did however make the first step of going back to the gym. And that step is always the hardest. I think I am going to make some new mixes to run too... I actually just realized I have yet to try to run to "When I Grow Up" (Pussycat Dolls)...I think that may be my new model song..."Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it get it..."

See ya later alligators,
Marisa

Things That Taste Better Than Skinny Feels

Hiii- As I said in my first post, I am pretty sure that the title of this blog is false. There are a multitude of things that taste better than skinny feels. One of these things are cupcakes. I looooove cupcakes. No news there, but I should reiterate the fact that I went from eating at least one cupcake almost daily, to an occasional cupcake every once in awhile. This is probably the hardest thing I've had to face, especially when I always have cupcakes in front of me. I am not sure how it happens, but somehow people at work ALWAYS have cupcakes. It's killer. I also know myself well enough to know that once I take that first bite, I will eat like 2 cupcakes in 5 minutes. So, I have resisted, this weekend I decided I could resist no more.

I was in the Lower East Side to have brunch and go to the Tenement Museum with Katie and Adina. (Which by the way, is essentially taking a tour of my own apartment. The Rogarshevsky family had a bathtub in their kitchen, with essentially the same layout as my apartment. As the tourists looked around in shock that people lived that way, I looked around trying to find an innovative way to deal with my no dresser situation...) The Lower East Side is also home to Sugar Sweet Sunshine, an absolutely delightful cupcake place on Rivington. And after stepping in puddles the size of small pools all day, I needed a little Sugar Sweet Sunshine in my life. The cupcakes a great, moist, with just enough frosting. They are also cheap- $1.50 for a cupcake. Perfect. Not like Magnolia which is $2.50 for a cupcake with frosting that tastes eerily like mashed potatoes. I should say as a self proclaimed cupcake aficionado, Magnolia is not so good. I don't care if Carrie Bradshaw likes it, I want nothing to do with it and its crummy frosting. Sugar Sweet Sunshine on the other hand, I would marry I like it so much. I got chocolate with vanilla pink frosting and ate in on the street while walking Adina to her apartment. The perfect way to end a fun New York day.

Maybe TMI...if you are male feel free to skip this one

Where my ladies at? (I have secretly always wanted to say that in a half serious way). Well, its that time of the month, and I have been absolutely ravenous... per usual during my period. I literally cannot stop eating. Yesterday, I had to eat my usual 4:00 snack at 2:30. I finished my lunch at like 2:00 and during that half an hour between the end of my salad and the beginning of my yogurt I thought I would die of starvation. Seriously. I felt like I hadn't eaten anything in like 2 days, which believe me I have. I just keep on eating!

So, I thought to myself, I wonder the science between all of this...I should find out and blog about it. I googled a little and found a lot of those weird forums with 14 year old girls asking the exact same question. I am glad I am on the same page as 14 year old girls in both biology questions and musical tastes. Not one of the other 14 year old girls had an answer! Surprising! Then I realized I need to search "menstruation hunger" and not "period hunger"...gotta get scientific if you want scientific answers!

Well according Weight Watchers, even if you eat a little more during your period, your weight loss will not be dramatically effected because, get this, your metabolism goes up a little too. Who knew? Still not the reason why I get so ridiculously hungry, but good to know. Also, they said that if you don't give in to the cravings (I don't know anyone who has THAT much will power...) then your weight loss will slightly increase. Nice!

Then I googled more. No reasons why, although apparently if you take one Prozac before your period you will not get this hunger. Wait, what? I guess this makes sense? I'll just keep on eating the Thin Mints next to my desk anyway, thanks. Then, I kept googling...and there were theories that woman crave chocolate because it makes them feel happy. Also, we crave chocolate because chocolate has iron in it, and we need iron. But, I found NOTHING, zilch, zip on why we get so hungry or why our metabolism goes up. I WANT BIOLOGICAL ANSWERS! So, if you know the actual reason why, I'd like to know. My theory is that our bodies are working a little extra, and want a little something to nosh on while they work over time. Maybe thats also why we are so tired. Who knows, and quite frankly I am too hungry right now to keep looking for answers.

Philly, PA

Hi- Oh my goodness. Two posts in one night. I just had to tell you about my trip to Philly. As I said earlier, this has nothing to do with the Skinny Mission, its just a fun trip I took! Nikhil and Brian gave me their pictures of the trip so, we will have some nice visuals too. So, Nikhil was supposed to go to Philadelphia with a his class, but couldn't the weekend the class went. (Ultimately the class didn't go... but we went anyway) And my uncles live right outside of Philly and I hadn't seen them in awhile, so I thought "this is perfect I can go with Nikhil, and see the sights and see my uncles. What a nice weekend!" That really is what I thought too...sometimes I think in cheesy sit-comy ways.

So on Saturday morning we got on the Chinatown bus and for a mere $10 had the chance to smell a smell that is completely indescribable. (Horrendous, and vomit-inducing are two words that come close) and arrive in Philadelphia two hours later! I have to say it was great... other than the smell. I honestly don't know why I don't go more often- so cheap and so fast. We got off had a delish meal at Reading Terminal Market. We topped it off with a little mint fudge that we carried around all day- we even took the mini spoon they gave us to taste. Let's just say fudge eaten with a mini spoon tastes even better! Then we saw the sites. We went to the Liberty Bell....
And Independence Hall... (Unfortunately, I didn't find the special glasses for the treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence that I stole).
Then we met my uncles Dom and Brian at Gay Bingo. Gay Bingo a monthly event in Philadelphia to raise money for people living with HIV/AIDS and my uncles volunteer at it. I had so much fun. I can't even tell you. First of all, we didn't win anything- even though we came SO close to winning the $1,000 prize. And by so close, I mean we were still like 5 squares away, but I could taste it. We also got to go on stage and play charades with the Bingo Verifying Divas. Very very fun! Then we went out to drinks with my uncles and their friends. We went to a bar that was part dance club, part chill sitting bar, and part piano bar. MY DREAM! I requested that we sang "Good Morning Baltimore" at the piano...and I was in heaven.
The next morning we went to brunch and saw all the sites we missed.
And we went to LOVE Park. (This is Nikhil in the picture with me).
(Uncle Dom, Me, Nikhil and Brian at LOVE Park)

This is the highly summarized version of the trip but, I wanted to share the pics and give you an overview before my computer dies for good. Also, did you know that the Declaration wasn't actually signed on July 4th? The things you learn...

Have a great night guys! xoxo

Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte

Heyyy! Quick status update on my computer situation: still don't have one. On my dresser situation: just came back from my first Craigslist experience. I am still alive. The woman really was pregnant and it was not some clever ruse to get poor unsuspecting 22 year old girls in an apartment to kill them. The dresser was great...but how do I get in my door? I don't know and don't have a measuring tape to find out. Oh, what a life! :)

Anyway...I started drinking Tall Skinny Vanilla Lattes from Starbucks. And honestly, I love them. I was a little skeptical with the whole "skinny" lowcal thing. Why? I don't know...I guess I just come from the breed of people who assume the higher the calories the more I will love whatever is. And for the most part that is true. But, honestly I like Skinny Vanilla Lattes MORE than a regular Vanilla Lattes, and even more than my beloved Caramel Macchiatos. I stopped drinking those a while ago anyway because of the amount of calories (200 in a tall) and also, I could no longer afford my daily habit. They always say on Oprah and other talk shows that the first place to save money is by making your own coffee and stop buying it every morning. I clearly stopped listening to this since I've been getting Skinny Vanilla Lattes every other day. But, they are only 90 calories! And I work right across from a Starbucks...and the guy always tells me what a pleasure it is to see me. What can I say? I like that.

Back to the drink. The Skinny Vanilla Latte is the perfect pickmeup in the middle of the day. It's sweet, but not so sweet that it gives you a stomachache. Which is a very important distinction in my opinion and the 90 calories is not going to break your daily calorie bank either. I think that by drinking those I will surely be cute in a bikini by July. Oh, I should tell you, I want to be in a polka dot bikini by my birthday (July 3rd). I think that is definitely do able. It doesn't need to be yellow...just adorable and I need to be equally... if not more...adorable in it.

So, that's about it...I just wanted to let you all know that the Skinny Vanilla Latte has my seal of approval.

(By the way, the dash things on this computer don't work. So thats why I am writing things like pickmeup without them...feel free to imagine them).

Over and Out,

Marisa

PS: Nikhil just sent me the Philly photos! Above is a picture of me in Philadelphia drinking a Tall Skinny Vanilla Latte.

Food Rut

Hi! I am writing from Gabrielle's computer today, since mine is still not functional. When I have more access to my own computer, I swear that I will blog more. For the time being we are just going to have to take every stolen opportunity we can to spend time together. :)

I went away this weekend to Philadelphia...so much fun! I will write about it in a later post but, moral of the Skinny Mission story is, I ate a cheeseburger, fudge and pizza. I know, I know, what happened to me not getting distracted? I'm a liar. I still fully believe vacation calories don't count. And...I may be right. I lost 2lbs when I got on the scale this morning. Strange. I guess I walked a lot? I am not really sure how that happened. I am sure it was a fluke in the scale or something, and tomorrow I will have gained the 2lbs plus some back. But, for now I am sitting pretty.

I will tell you all more about Philly when I get the pics from Nikhil. It will obviously have nothing to do with the Skinny Mission, but the pics are fun, and I know we all love some American History.

What I really want to talk about is this stupid food rut I've been having. I am starving at lunch and dinner and I literally can't think of one thing I want to eat. I am over salads. I am so over soups. (I never was really into soups to begin with...I kind of can't stand soups to be honest. Unless its corn chowder. I like that). I can't eat another stir~fried chicken thing if my life depended on it. It's killing me! I don't even want pasta. I would say screw the Skinny Mission...I'll just eat what I want. But, I want nothing!!!! I am sure you have been in a food rut before, and can completely agree on how absolutely miserable it is, which is why I'm telling you about it. I'm hoping that in the next couple days I'll be done with it and craving apple sauce or filet mignon or something. Until then I will suffer through every food decision I need to make and end up eating my failsafe... California Rolls. You can never go wrong with a California Roll.

xoxo until next time...which I hope will be sooner rather than later.

Marisa

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Hey- Sorry I haven't written in awhile. My computer in New York is having issues. The kind where it shuts down after approximately 15 minutes. Ugh! And I just went home for the weekend where my house computer wouldn't turn on. Ugh to the max! Needless to say my family is having major computer issues currently. Hopefully they will all be solved someday. Until then, I will just have to blog on the days where my computer is a little less temperamental.

Anyway, I went home this weekend, which was very fun and didn't adhere to any of my rules. I basically was Carrie when she was having the affair with Big while dating Aidan this whole weekend. I just did whatever I wanted to do and not even Miranda could stop me. I binged on bread, mashed potatoes, chocolates, more bread, and cheese. I had extra cheese on my omelettes my dad made me in the morning. I kept "tasting" the two different types of chocolates my aunt brought over- I just had to decide which one I liked better. I ate the crappy white bread and followed it up with a few slices of delish homemade garlic bread. Oh, I should also mention that I ate a slice of red velvet cake which quite possibly was the size of three cupcakes. And in that moment- I knew I was tasting something that was as good as skinny feels.

However, all wonderful things have to come to the end. And my weekend away from reality ended the moment I drove over the Manhattan Bridge and realized even though you are vacation- those calories count. And I felt just as sleezy as Carrie did when she realized she was meeting Big for hour long rendez-vous in shitty hotels. I think it was that woman from My Big Fat Greek Wedding who said she lost a bunch of weight by breaking up with cheese. I thought she was ridiculous- no one breaks up with food. Now, as I am I getting back from my weekend of binge eating, I feel like a girl who went to lunch with her ex-boyfriend because "she could handle it" and ends up crying because she realizes she still loves him even though he was emotionally abusive. (Note: I have never been in that situation but imagine this is what it would feel like). I can't handle it. I am definitely breaking up with my waist-line abusive foods. I am not a girl who can have one cookie and not go back for seconds. I am a girl who needs just not to have a cookie to begin with or eat one cookie and then put poison on the rest. Since I don't have poison readily accessible at all times (or any time I guess), and it seems a bit of a waste I am going to remain on my train of just not having it to begin with. I am going to have a clean break from my "danger foods" until maybe a few months from now when I can be friends with white bread, chocolate, and cheese. Until then I will just have to start my new LTR with yoga, salads and non-fat yogurt with no distractions from the exes.

Superbowl and Exhale H-A

Hiii! Did you watch the Superbowl last night? I caught the last half- I missed The Who, but saw that incredible running across the field thing The Saints did. Very nice. During the first half, I went to candle lit yoga with Nikhil. I've never done yoga before and was expecting it to be one of the hardest things I've ever encountered. When I would watch people do it, I automatically assumed that my body would not be able to bend that way. Turns out it can! I still can't balance to save my life, but the stretching and warrior moves I can do. Ooh and the half pigeon!! I liked that. For those of you who don't know- its a pose where you essentially put one of your legs bent underneath you body as you breathe and enlongate your spine. I am not sure if that makes sense or not but it feels so nice. When I left yoga I felt better than I have after running and other forms of exercise. I felt refreshed and stretched out. I've been saying for like a month now that all I need is someone to put me in a medieval torture device and stretch me out a little. Well, I guess I just needed a little candle lit yoga to put my body back to where it needed to be. I will definitely be doing that again. And, everyone who was there was so nice and in shape. That was inspiring. I think I may have found a form of exercise that works for me!

Post Power Week Update

Sorry guys- I can't believe I have not updated you on how Power Week was going. Well, it ended yesterday- and it was kind of fun. In a weird way. It kind of was like a game. A few things though- I couldn't do the video. I know, I know, I said no excuses, however, in my bedroom it is more or less physically impossible for me to do any form of exercise. Most people living in New York City will know what I am talking about. So, I couldn't do that... but! I did one better. I joined my local rec center. Now, I hadn't joined a gym because quite frankly I didn't have enough money to spend a monthly fee. But, the rec center was only $75 for the year! So...I really had no excuses. It's not a luxury facility in any way, shape or form. But it's fine. And- get this! I ran a mile. Two days in a row. Yes, that's right a whole mile. I know, I know, people run marathons, but it's the little steps and I feel good about this. I don't really do anything particularly special yet and I have not found the runner's "zone" that people supposedly get into. Right now I basically listen to my iPod and wait for "Rock Star" by N.E.R.D to come on...and then... I POWER RUN! I run hard and fast for the length of the song, and let's just say, if N.E.R.D wanted to make a music video with a girl who runs, they would ask me to be in it because I look awesome during those 4 minutes and 20 seconds. Or at least I pretend I do. You gotta see me sometime. Maybe I'll just have to make my own video for you to see. Anyways, I've been doing that... It's been tough going to the rec center after work, but I'll definitely go this weekend and try scheduling it in more next week.

Everything else went pretty well- you all saw the recipe. I've been drinking more water and drink a glass before each meal. Not eating bread was REALLY hard- probably the hardest part. I'm not going to lie- I did eat a slice of toast on Monday when I was pretty sick. But, I had to for my health, and it was whole wheat. So, get over it! ;) I haven't had any pasta though and haven't had a cupcake in over a month! As for the salads at lunch- did it! One day I had fruit and yogurt...a fruit salad if you will. Counts. I went for a little walk on Saturday and Sunday, but it was FREEZING, so I ran at the rec center and then walked an additional half mile or so to "make it count". That's about it. I am probably going to add some brown rice and whole wheat and things to my diet this week- but honestly Power Week was not that crazy. It's something I could more or less try to maintain. I am going to have to spice up lunches though, it's getting a little boring. Got any ideas?

Ok..Grey's will be on in fifteen...yes, I still watch Grey's. Yeah- I know you probably stopped after the Meredith suicide weirdo thing they had going on a few seasons ago. It got a little better since then... Anyways I'm going to go watch it.

Love you all.
Marisa

Lemon Dill Chicken

Hi Guys- I am currently home sick from work. The WORST. Like literally, the worst, because you don't feel good, nothing is on TV, and you just feel like doing something, ANYTHING, but you can't. So, to make my sick day better, I wanted to tell you all about the dinner I made last night.

Yes- you heard right, for the first time in Skinny Mission history, I MADE a healthy dinner. From scratch! The reason that I don't cook, isn't because I can't cook...it's just I don't have the time, and can order delivery or a multitude of other reasons. However, my repertoire of dishes all include: mass amounts of cheese, pasta, maybe some chicken, and then for good measure, I throw some more cheese on top. I can't do this type of cooking anymore though. So, I found a healthy recipe off of eatingwell.com (Thanks, Eszter!) and decided to make Katie, Adina and John, Lemon Dill Chicken with Asparagus and Brown Rice. Now, I obviously doubled the recipe. If you are having people over, you need to make sure they leave full and have plenty for seconds. This mentality may either come from my Italian background, or my father's catering business- either way "Too much is always enough" except for when we are talking calories. :) So, I just chose to eat a little less of the portions of food I made. This takes a little will power, but its kind of fun in a weird way too.

The food came out great! if I do say so myself. (Yes, it came out great with an exclamation point, that's one above great, no exclamation point). It was very flavorful- which I was surprised me, since I rarely think of healthy food as flavorful. My mom says that that's healthy food's shtick though- lots of flavor. And, I am more than okay with that. I think that I am going to try make something new and delicious every Sunday. I think that would just be great. Also, I hope that you all have recognized that this entire post is part of Power Week 2010. So, just check that off my list!!

This is the recipe I used. I put in purple my own notes. It will be like the potions book Harry gets in the 6th book with all of Snape's notes. Consider me your half blood prince princess.

Ingredients

Please note: I made dinner for four people.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (1-1 1/4 pounds) I got two packs of chicken- the lean, thin kind. I cooked one and half packs and put the other half in the freezer.
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, or canola oil, divided I ended up using enough to cover the pan because this amount would not allow you to really cook. So cover the pan, and then put a little more in step two.
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion I bought one of those big white onions...used half and saving half for another day.
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth I put like 1 and a half.
  
• 2 teaspoons flour I put four.
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided I just cut up a whole bunch. No real rhyme or reason. I took into full account that dill was in the name of the dish. You probably should too.
  
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice I got one of those lemon juice squeezie things but then I also bought lemon.
  

Ok, as you can see I kind of used arbitrary amounts. Whatever looks good to you. I mean, you can tell what's going to be enough.

Preparation

1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. I put the salt and pepper in a bowl and then kind of just rubbed it on. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Again, I just covered the pan with a layer of oil. Add the chicken and sear until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. I didn't have foil...it was fine. I also don't really know what "tent with foil" is supposed to mean. Just keep it near the oven...it will keep warm.
   
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk broth, flour, 1 tablespoon dill and lemon juice in a measuring cup and add to pan. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Ok... I don't have a wisk...so I just threw the broth, flour, dill and lemon juice in a bowl and kind of mixed it. And then just put it in the pan, and kind of stirred every once in a while.
   
3. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. I really did this. Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter. Just put it on a plate, who is anybody kidding? "Warmed Platter'...ha Season sauce with salt and pepper and spoon over the chicken. I didn't have so much left over sauce...something to think about for next time. I just put what I had left on top. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. I also bought a lemon and garnished with that. It just need that extra touch. Plus cut up lemons are so delightfully pretty.
   

Nutrition

This is all probably no longer true- since I messed with the recipe a little. But its a good gauge.
Per serving: 173 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 64 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 24 g protein; 0 g fiber; 236 mg sodium; 219 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Selenium (30% daily value).

Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 1 fat

Also, I put some oil, salt and pepper on the asparagus and put it in the oven for a little bit. Then, I made some Success: Brown Rice in a bag. I just followed the directions on the box and asked John when it looked done.

Since it was a dinner party...I also bought some Skinny Cow Mint Icecream Flying Saucer things. VERY GOOD. Highly recommended. Only 140 calories.

That's it. Pics to come soon...

I'm already ahead of the game...

Hi- So I only have 15mins before I need to go meet Nikhil for our night of True Blood, but I have to tell you a few things. Firstly, I went to the doctor's office today. Don't worry- I'm fine. It's just that since I got my own health insurance after being on my mom's forever, I was without a primary care doctor. So, now I have one! Yay! And it's in NYC. Yay! Which I like to think for all intents and purposes means that I am officially a resident of New York. So, big day for me. 

I absolutely love my doctor, she is sweetest woman, who is caring... but not too caring and has a sense of humor. All my criteria! I had to fill out the questionnaire thing that I asked me what I ate yesterday. And as I was proudly putting down, yogurt, apple, chicken and snow peas, berries, oatmeal...I knew she would think I was lying. Now, she didn't automatically assume I was lying when I saw her, she just looked at me and said "Oh, you eat pretty healthy." I decided it was ok to inform her that this was a new thing and my list a month ago would have been cookie, brownie, cookie, pasta, chicken with pasta, and a little dessert. I then told her all about this blog, which she thought was a little strange...which I guess it is. But I told her that it makes me feel accountable and normally if I start a diet I am only obligated to myself. And let's face it, I'm not a very strong taskmaster when it comes to me and food. Ultimately, we decided that this blog was a good thing and moved on to the dreaded weigh-in and height-in. I guess height-in (is this even a word?) is not dreaded for most people but, since I always lie about my height and then forget my real height it's always a bit of a shock when they say 5'2". Oh yeah, to all those people I told I was 5'3" - I was lying. Anyway then she weighed me, and it turns out I need to lose weight. But that wasn't hard to hear since I've already accepted it and am actively doing something about it. I'm a step ahead - and it feels good! 

Calories

Hi- How's it going? Remember my signs on my fridge and mirror that say "Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels"? Well guess what folks, I have another mirror...with another sign. It says "CONSUME LESS CALORIES" (There is also a depiction of what I will look like when I am skinny- essentially it an hour glass with brown hair and no neck. I forgot to add in a neck- but I'd like to have one. I am sure you can all imagine it now. I'll be pretty cute cuter.) Now this is obviously a great sign...but what does it really mean? What exactly are calories...and why do I need to consume less? Because to be completely honest I don't really know. I knew it had something to do with energy, and blah blah blah. I think that was about the time I would start doodling my name in my biology notebook. So, if you were a nerd one of those people who paid attention to the rest of the lecture, you don't need to read the rest of this. But, if you were one of the cool kids like me you may want to continue on to the next paragraph.
After a little research- and I mean like a couple minute google search, I have discovered I was right- calories are something to do with energy! In fact, a calorie is a unit of energy and can be found in anything containing energy...so like, gasoline has calories too. It has a lot of calories in fact, one of the many reasons not to digest it... A calorie is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water, 1 degree Celsius. Blah blah blah. I know...you are doodling your name now, right? I'll just get down to business then, what does this mean for you, me, and The Skinny Mission?
Basically, if you consume too many calories your body saves them in the form of fat for a rainy day and if you are like me, and have had plenty of sunny days, you do not need any more "lay away"calories. I may be a packrat in my room, but I will not be a packrat in my body! So, how do I spring clean my body? Well 3,500 extra calories is stored as one pound of fat. And thus, if you want to lose weight you need to burn 3,500 calories/ pound you want to lose by either consuming less calories or by exercising. Good to know. With this information, I will be able to seize the world!
That's all the science I have for today. Oh, and above is a picture of me and an apple. This is a site that you will be seeing a lot of for the next few months. Bye!

Also, thanks "How Stuff Works" for informing me about calories.

Power Week 2010

Oh, hi! Thanks for coming back. (I am not really sure how to start posts off... so I am just going to wing it each time). It's been one post since my last confession. I feel a little guilty- I started this blog for you all to read and now I am not keeping up my end of the bargain. I am not doing so good guys- I had pasta for lunch (technically my once a week...if I don't have one the rest of the week...which I WON'T) and had a panini for dinner last night (probably equally as bad). I did eat an apple though... and ordered brown rice with my thai tonight. Still, I am not feeling so great about this mission. Who knew it would be so tough? Oh, wait...I did. I usually am very good at putting my mind to something and accomplishing it. But, for some reason I feel like cannot REALLY do this. This is coming out a little more depressing than I mean it to be. All I mean is, I am going to try much harder this week and I need you all to hold me to it. Seriously...don't let me get away with this "confession" bullshit guys. A MOMENT ON THE LIPS IS FOREVER ON THE HIPS...even if you confess it!

This week is going to be my power week. It is going to start Wednesday, January 27th and last until February 3rd. Are you ready for what is about to come? I have a feeling I'm not...if I was Nick Arrojo on "What Not to Wear" right now, I would be saying "I am very scared..." Does anyone get that reference? I hope so. I think I am going to try to make slightly obscure references in each post. Anyway...back to POWER WEEK 2010, Marisa vs Unhealthy Foods...

1. I will eat some kind of salad for lunch every day with vinaigrette. (This is kind of a cheat thing to say...since I don't like any other dressing...but whatever).

2. I will try that exercise video that I have thrown behind my dresser and next to my pile of clothes (I am sure you all know exactly where I am talking about. By the way, did I tell you that the dresser is fully broken now? Yes... the top drawer's bottom literally fell through. In fact I am not sure where the bottom is.) I will do that video twice this week.

3. In addition to the video, I will not spend the entire Sunday in bed. I will go for a long walk. Feel free to join me.

4. I will make something healthy for dinner this weekend. I will get the recipe off of some Weight Watcher's website or something. I will post this recipe and tell you if its at all appetizing.

5. I will drink a glass of water before each meal.

6. I can't believe I am saying this- no bread this week. You know what? This is my Power Week. NO BREAD. NO PASTA. NO RICE. NO EXCUSES.

That's all I think I am ready to do right now. I think these weekly goals will be good- and I am sure on February 3rd I will be so skinny you won't even be able to see me. Haha- probably not, but I bet I'll feel good. Actually I'm not done, who sets goals without rewards? NOT ME! My reward, if I successfully accomplish all of the above mini goals will be a new dress. I will take pictures of it (and me...obviously...) with my "Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels" signs that I have taped to my mirror and fridge. Wait, did I tell you guys that? I have "Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels" taped on both my long mirror and my fridge. If you have come over recently, we may have hid them...but now that it's out in the open, no more hiding them. I am letting my freak flag fly! (Another Nick Arroyo reference...hehe...not really ;) ).

So, to recap, no bread (and all those other things) equals new dress, new me!

Have a great day/night, guys. xoxox, MarisaGirl (I know you all just got that reference...)

I choose my choice

Hi- I am going to start this post with a confession. I made and ate Kraft Macaroni and Cheese today. And, you know what? I don't feel that bad about it. Honestly, I wanted to save money and had a couple of boxes in the cabinet. Who wouldn't do it? Ok..maybe someone wanting to be healthy would have made another choice. BUT I CHOOSE MY CHOICE! (...What movie is that from? I can't remember). Anyways, I also ate icecream last night...with fruit though. Oh, and split a piece of cheesecake with Nikhil yesterday too. So, that's it. That's all my confessions. I will make better choices tomorrow.

Anyways, while eating my mac and cheese, I started watching True Blood. I think I am like a year or two late on this one. Per usual. But, Nikhil told me he just started watching it this weekend- so I am on the same timeline as him. I've been needing something to watch since I watched all of Dexter Season 4 (Maybe, the best season of television, I have ever watched...ever). Maybe next time I will find something other than a television show to procrastinate with-like training for a marathon. (Maybe? It would make a great blog if I do. I'll keep you updated). Anyways, the first episode of True Blood has got me hooked. I just hope I don't start speaking in a southern accent for the next couple of days. Isn't that how it always happens? You start watching something and then automatically go into weird accents for next couple of days. Maybe, that's just me. Oh, wait...does anyone read Harry Potter in a British accent? Because I do, and I haven't found anyone else who does. That can be one of my criterion for my soul mate-they must read Harry Potter in a British accent. They other criteria thus far has been funny, a little chubby and can cook. I have yet to find this person. I will keep you updated on that as well. Ok...back to True Blood. I really like it- and plan on spending the rest of the day watching it. In fact, Nikhil says if I watch episode 2, we can watch episode 3 later tonight. Yayy!

Ok, so I hope that you all are having a wonderful day, and are keeping healthy. Maybe, you can make the choice to eat the salad with grilled chicken that I should have chosen. Also- thanks Gabrielle for the great picture. (BTW...the picture above was from a week ago, when I chose a panini and salad instead of mac and cheese. What a great week!)

Water

So, if you remember, I have been drinking more water. I've been extremely successful in doing this. However, drinking more water, means having to pee...all the time! This is not convenient in any way, shape or form. In fact, it makes me feel like an old woman. However, I guess that's how the weight leaves your body? Maybe? I suppose I am on a computer and could easily check this fact, but I'd rather just assume that's what happens to the weight. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, in any event, I saw "When In Rome" the other day with work. Awful/kind of wonderful movie. I'd recommend watching it when it's on TBS in a year or two but, not spending $12.50 in the theater for it. Anyways, it was one of those movies that would just not end. It had like 12 different times that it could have been the end but it just kept going. So, obviously not the best creative choice, but also, when you've been drinking water all day it's kind of painful physically as well. I was sitting there, in a packed theater, with my fruit punch (oh, yeah..I didn't tell you, I was drinking fruit punch because it was free. Whoops!)and my popcorn just dying. WHEN WOULD THIS END?! I knew drinking water all day would do this to me, but who knew it would be so awful?

Finally, the movie ends. I quickly gather my things, ready to literally run to the bathroom. And I spill all of my popcorn all over the girl in front of me. I kept apologizing and she just gave me the nastiest look of all time. Ok, lady, it's popcorn, not the frigging fruit punch, I thought. This didn't seem to matter to her, and quite frankly, I didn't care that much, so I said my quick goodbyes and ran to the bathroom. What a relief!

So, basically, the moral of this story is, if you are going to drink more water, be prepared to change your lifestyle/habits a little bit, so you don't look like a frantic crazy person throughout your day. This week, I will be more conscious of that, and maybe try not to be tempted by things like sugary fruit punch.

Mission Skinny 2010

Ok-so I am pretty sure that the title of my blog is false because I am almost 100% positive that chocolate cake with vanilla frosting tastes better that skinny feels, but as my mother says I've never been skinny so how do I really know? My mom wasn't being hard on me, the truth is I really have never have been skinny my entire life. I am no where near morbidly obese, but also not too close to healthy either. I am aware that I am being vague here but, I have not fully committed to put my weight on the internet for everyone to see. So, for now, let's just say I'm a bit chunkier than I would like.

I figure that part of my New Year's resolution should be get healthier. Also, to start a blog. So why not start a blog chronicling my skinny mission? By the way, a long term goal of mine would be to have my story/blog turned into a major motion picture that I would like to star in but, I am going to stick to one thing at a time. Anyways, the first few things I had to do get mission skinny fully underway was basically give up the things I love the most in the world. This would include: lunch dessert (my absolutely favorite part of my (old) daily diet), pasta (ok- I am not completely giving this up, I am just eating less. I would say I ate it at least one to two times daily- I have absolutely no excuse for this...I just love pasta), and just generally indulging in mass amounts of food and wine. I am not giving up wine yet- and vow I never will.

To help me along, I luckily have my own health coach living under the same roof- my roommate Gabrielle. She is keeping me on track with my pact to myself. My pact is basically various little healthy tips to aid in my overall goal of being thinner. I am going to add in new ones each week, so as to not send my body into full shock from extreme healthiness. Anyways, part of Marisa's-Pact-to-Herself-2010 is having pasta once a week. To many of you this seems like an easy task, and you probably all do it in a normal week. To me however, this is like saying I will only drink water once a week- so, we'll see how it goes. I also am going start to drink water when I think I am hungry. Apparently, a lot of the time you feel hungry you are actually thirsty. And since I have a chronic dehydration issue (I have had kidney stones, fainted and gotten tunnel vision because I was dehydrated...normal, right?) this will hopefully make a big impact and this small step will most likely make me look like Mary Kate Olsen. (False.) The next part of week one is I can only have cake/cupcakes once a month. I hear that this is supposed to make them taste even better, because separation makes the heart grow fonder or some bullshit like that. We'll see- I have feeling this is a false statement too since I'm pretty sure I can enjoy a cupcake with creamy frosting to the fullest no matter how many time a week I eat them. In any event, Gabrielle has been there helping me make sure that I complete these goals and I can proudly say have successfully completed them this week!

I even was faced with my demons (cupcakes) twice last week and did not give into temptation. I successfully sat next to (really next to) 48 different flavored cupcakes last week for 7 total hours and didn't even eat a bite. BIG SUCCESS! I knew once I took that first bite, I was absolutely done for. So, I am going to try my hardest to resist even the smallest bite of one of my absolutely favorite things on earth.

Anyways, this week I am just going to keep on mission skinny and maybe in the next post I'll figure out a way to chronicle my weight loss without revealing my actual weight...never gonna happen, but we'll see.